Thinking about it, not every workshop needs the absolute best of its class tools. A weekend woodworker who just likes to do a couple of fixes and items for their home won’t necessarily need the most powerful power tools and building equipment in the market today. While they’ll be nice to have on hand, you won’t necessarily be able to use them at full capacity all the time anyway, so why spend an arm and a leg on them, right?
On many occasions, there are already a lot of products that can be considered as the best that you can afford. They’ll already meet your needs and requirements for a lot of different projects so you don’t necessarily have to go for the most expensive option out there. As the price of a product is also not a guarantee of topnotch quality and performance, you don’t have to hesitate about getting a product that’s within your budget.
For cases like this, the WEN 6552 planer proves to be an excellent option. If you’re after a good value benchtop planer, the said model is a solid pick for its excellent features, good performance, and budget-friendly price tag. It’s one of the most popular items in its price range as it can already compete with more expensive alternatives.
If you’re curious about what this item has to offer, read on for our WEN 6552 planer review.
Why Buy This Power Tool? Lets Dig Deeper
There are lots of things that help the WEN 6552 make a good case for itself. It didn’t become popular for no reason. So if you’re thinking of giving this product a shot, these points might help you make up your mind:
Guaranteed precision
One of the biggest draws of the 6552 is its built-in cutting depth gauge. As this dial and measurement tool is embedded right on the unit, it promises to help you make very precise cuts. You can set it anywhere between 0 in. to 3/32” and expect it to cut the exact amount of material as your selection.
With this amount of accuracy, you can be sure that you have total control in your material removal process. It means that you’ll only cut the amount of material you want to cut, nothing more and nothing less. It also promises efficiency as you might not need to do several passes just to get the right finish you want.
Designed for the long haul
Due to its friendly price tag, lots of people are surprised to learn that many components of this product are added to prolong its lifespan. You’d expect an entry-level power tool to be designed to only last for a couple of years but the same thing can’t be said for the 6552.
Why? Well, for one, it has a cast-iron housing. This alone will clue you in that it’s made for the long haul. With such a solid casing, you can count on it to properly protect the internal components. It also won’t get brittle over time as plastic would.
The configuration of the installation of its blades is very notable. They’re meant to be easy to put in, so if you ever need to replace them, you won’t have a hard time doing so.
Its blades are also double-edged on the middle roller. This means that you can reverse them so you can get more use out of each carbide blade. This can then result in their longer life cycle. It also promises that you’ll always have a sharp edge to use to ensure precise cuts.
Smooth finish
In terms of results, this item promises to meet and even exceed what you have in mind. With sharp blades and proper use, you can expect a very smooth finish with it. With its 3-blade design, you can count on it to perform really well.
However, it’s also very important to note that if you want to get the best results from this tool, the manufacturer recommends that you do multiple passes of shallow cuts instead of doing a singular deep cut. By opting for the former, you can be guaranteed of more precise results and you can also minimize sniping, especially if you employ certain techniques that can keep such issues at bay.
Easy to use
Like lots of other popular power tools, the operation of this product is also very simple. For starters, it has very straightforward controls. The depth adjustment sits front and center of the unit so you won’t have a hard time locating it.
As it’s also made to be self-feeding, you don’t have to worry about lifting and pushing your workpieces into the planer. The rollers will do the grunt job for you, allowing you to do more with your strength.
Thoughtful details
There are also lots of useful little details that this product has that will make it easier to use. They’re not much but they can make its use more convenient, safer, and less fussy.
What are these features, you ask? Let’s start with the Return Rollers that sit on the top of the planer. They’re put there so you don’t have to lift and move the boards manually. Instead, you just need to lift it slightly to place it on top of the unit. With the rollers, you’ll only need to gently push the boards to return it to the infeed side.
Lots of people also like the fan-assisted chip ejection port in this item. The additional push of the fan helps minimize clogging so you don’t have to fuss about its airways every time you use it.
It’s also made to be portable. With its foldable table and a pair of carrying handles, you can bet that the manufacturer thought about those who need to move a benchtop planer around. So whether you need something to take on offsite builds or if you just need something that you can put elsewhere when it’s not in use, these make the 6552 a good option.
Despite its portability features, however, it also has mounting holes at its base. So if you need more stability and secure the unit in one place, you can also do so without too much fuss.
Great value for the money
Lastly, this product undeniably offers great value for the money. With its friendly price tag and solid features and performance, it can certainly be a good option for those who are on a budget.
Features
- 13” maximum cutting width
- 15AMP motor generates 8500RPM and 25,500 cuts per minute
- Onboard material removal gauge will give you a clear idea of your selected cutting depth setting
- 3-blade design allows it to cut hardwood
- Reversible blades help minimize sniping
- Fan-assisted dust port prevents clogging and helps discard shavings and chips easier
- Tri-Roller Feeding System prevents serious sniping
- Built-in adjustable cutting depth promises precision and cutting control
- Adjustable cutterhead height using a crank handle
- Cast iron housing promises durability
- Return rollers will let you pass workpieces back to the infeed table with more ease
- Built-in carrying handles
Pros:
- 2019 model got a few upgrades from the 2016 version
- Easy to work with
- Nice and smooth results
- Minimal sniping when used with the right techniques
- Great value for the money
- Designed to last a while
Cons:
- Equipped with plastic gears which are prone to breakage
- Quite loud
FAQs
What is the better option between the WEN 6552 and 6550?
The Wen 6550 and 6552, two models are pretty similar already. There’s still a very good chance that you’ll find one that better suits your needs, however, so make sure to look at these two items carefully.
Can this handle hardwood?
Yes, like the 6550, the 6552 also has a 3-blade design making it capable of handling hardwood.
Does it have an auto lock and depth lock?
No, it doesn’t.
Does it come with a granite table like the WEN 6550?
No, its feed table is made of metal.
Does it snipe?
Like other planers, it has some snipe but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed by a few repeated passes.
Are the blades hard to replace?
No, WEN designed their benchtop planers to have easy-to-replace blades to ensure longevity so you don’t have to fuss about the said task. They also provide the tools needed for the said task.
